Four talented racers join Raleigh Cyclocross Rider scheme
Posted on in Brands & Products News , Cycles News
Raleigh is proud to announce the names of four exceptional young cyclocross riders who will be supported by the company under the new grassroots Raleigh Cyclocross Rider scheme as the firm launches a brand new complete range of cyclocross bikes.
Harry Yates (Junior), Nick Barnes (U23), Dylan Kerfoot-Robson (Junior) and Joe Atkins (U23 - pictured below) have been selected for the scheme after demonstrating their achievements and potential to have a significant impact on the race season with support from Raleigh.
In a dream scenario for any rider looking to make it to the top, Raleigh will equip the riders with its state-of-the-art carbon Raleigh RX Race cyclocross bikes, featuring SRAM components and Cole wheels.
As part of the deal Raleigh will also supply the riders with performance equipment and clothing from High 5, Fi:zik, Schwalbe, Dare2b and Muc-Off.
The riders will also benefit from close ties with Raleigh dealers and cyclocross specialists Graham Weigh Cycles of Shotton, Zepnat Cycles of Matlock, Freedom Cycles of Lichfield and Ride of Coventry.
Harry (@HarryYates01) is a multi talented young rider who was U14 national cyclocross champion last year. Harry shines in all the major disciplines, having recently picked up the yellow jersey in the International Tour of Ireland junior road race and a 3rd place at the National Mountain Bike Championships.
Dylan (@DylanKerfootRob) was last year chosen for the British U23 cyclocross squad, aged just 16, and finished 2nd overall in the Welsh Cyclocross Championships and 7th in the National Cyclocross Championships in 2012. He will ride for Britain at the World Cup level having been part of the British Olympic Development Programme for Mountain Biking.
Nick (@Nick__Barnes94) is a talented young rider racing in the senior category in 2013/14. His best results include an impressive 7th place in the National Trophy Series, and he's competed at the Elite level while racing in the home of cyclocross, Belgium. Nick (pictured below) is the son of former international cyclocross rider, Steve Barnes.
Joe (@joe_ride) is a relatively recent convert to cyclocross, having raced mainly on the road. Joe had a string of good results in 2012/13 including the Rapha Super Cross Series, where he finished 10th, Kenilworth Boxing Day 'Cross (7th) and Vlamse Cup (37th). Joe is the grandson of 13-time National Cyclocross Champion John Atkins, who rode for Raleigh in his prime.
The four riders stood out among dozens of excellent applications to the Raleigh Cyclocross Rider scheme from cross riders based all over the country, which was a fantastic indication of the strength in depth of the cyclocross riding scene in the UK.
Geoff Giddings, Raleigh Marketing Director and a former veteran cyclocross champion said: "We wanted to make a statement of our intent to have a big impact on the thriving UK cyclocross scene, with the launch of our fantastic new range of four cyclocross bikes for the 2013/2014 season.
"Grassroots rider and event support is at the heart of our marketing drive and we were so overwhelmed by the number of high quality applications to our cyclocross scheme that even after deciding to increase the number of supported riders, we had a tough time choosing. Having met these four young riders I am delighted to have chosen four very professional and talented young men for the scheme.
I can't wait to see what they are capable of doing this season with our support."
The thrills and spills of our riders' cross seasons will be documented through social media and at http://raleighcyclocross.wordpress.com/